Writing Block is an English major’s worst nightmare. Instead of not knowing what to write about, I have many different topics going through my head at one time. I know I have the ability to write a decent article but I noticed that I need extra time to think about what I want to write that’s close to my heart. Then there’s the notion of not knowing what’s on your heart. My brain keeps going nonstop as you can see.

I have been an English major for about two years now and I am senior who graduates May of 2018. You would think that I have figuring out topics and ideas down to a science by now. Not a chance and it reminds me that I am not perfect and that I need to use my time wisely to think of solid material that will change people’s lives and have them think. I beat myself up sometimes about second guessing myself or what I should be writing or even what other people will think about my writing. I am always comparing myself to other writers and their work as if my work isn’t good enough.

It’s like I’m the juggling master of self-doubt.

I know for a fact that there are many writer’s that have been in my shoes or are in my shoes right now and it does lessen the weight a little but I am just trying to strive where they are at. I get told from my peers and family that I am a good writer and most of my quality work just comes to me randomly. There are other times when I need to take a few moments of brainstorming to set out my plan for writing and it has been extremely helpful.

Having writer’s block will honestly have you doubting your craft.

The more you think about why you’re unable to come up with a topic to write about, the more you fall deeper into believing “maybe writing isn’t for me” since it’s “supposed” to come naturally.

Poetry comes naturally for me because I allow my feelings to flow deeply but when it comes to writing, it’s as if those feelings come to a halt.

When writing poetry, it’s like my thoughts dance freely along the cushions of my mind leaping from one rhyme to the next. When writing articles, it’s like my thoughts stand frozen into the spotlight forgetting every dance move that was practiced. The moral of this article of this article is that I simply need to trust myself more and stop letting my negative thoughts consume me.

I call the Jiminy cricket of my mind “Felicia” because every time I have a negative thought, fear, or doubt that comes across my mind, I say simply say “Bye Felicia” and keep on moving.

There’s a technique that I look forward to practicing and that is free writing in the morning for about 20 minutes and letting my unconscious mind flow. We get so stuck into this mindset of controlling our thoughts when most of them are self-doubting, damaging thoughts that hold us back from being our best self. Writing a list of gratitude helps push away that writer’s block or writing down affirmations that motivates you to think positively instead of negatively will help too.

I try to do what’s best for me when having a writing block because I refuse to stay stuck and voiceless when I know I have something important to write about that may change a person’s life. There might be someone reading this article at this moment and going through the same thing I go through from time to time.

I refuse to stay stuck and voiceless when I know I have something important to write about that may change a person’s life.

To you and anyone else reading this article, my advice to you is even when you feel like there’s nothing to write about, just write! I had not one clue what to write about for this article and look at me now. Keep on writing people!